Hi, we just caught the local bus to Chiang Dao from Chiang Mai, really cheap and doesn’t take long. We stayed overnight in Chiang Dao and then arranged a driver to take us to the caves, natural hot springs and a few other sights in the area. Was a good day. Sorry I can’t remember exact costs. Hope this helps!

this is not the caves the boys were trapped in, we were there in January 2019 and there is no threat of flooding. Do pay for the guide which is an additional cost to the small entrance fee, you get to areas that are confined space so if you don't like climbing through small spaces don't go.

It’s an hour drive one way to Chiang day, for visit 1-2 hours. It’s also very nice to stay overnight in Chiang dao too.

8.00 AM to around 5.00 PM. Entry may be denied if you arrive close to closing.

Hi, for us it was worth it. it was a kind of adventure, wondering around in the pitch black cave, with no lights but the lanterns. With the guides, you get to see the hidden places deep in the cave, where you normally can't get to. You can even chose between the long and short tour... we chose to take the short one. The only annoying thing is that they want to take pictures from you in front of some strange looking formation for money... while explaining their holy meanings... This is not really necessary. And they do expect you to give them a tip after the tour. If you go to see the illuminated caverns, you will get to the end of the guided tour with the laying Buddah and giant, there you get to see some nice formations as well. All together it was a nice experience...

yes it is possible it is almost on the same way.

To get to Chiang Dao town from Chiang Mai, it's very easy and cheap to get the Thaton/Fang bus from Chang Phuak bus station - north of the Old City. The buses go from 6 am to around 7:30 pm daily, about every half an hour, for 50 Thai baht. The route passes Mae Rim and Mae Taeng. There is a checkpoint through the way, where you must show your passport or ID card, so don't forget this! The more difficult part is getting to the caves and Wat Tham Chiang Dao, since they are located quite a distance out of Chiang Dao town. The turn-off to the caves is posted in the town - also with signposts to Malee's Nature Bungalow and The Nest. From there, a bicycle, motorcycle, or motorcycle taxi is the best option (easy to rent in the town). Songtaews also go there regularly. The songtaews and motorcycle taxis charge high prices to foreigners, up to 150 Thai baht. If you are really on a budget, as I was, you can walk the 5 km there from the turn-off - it's a pleasant forested route with many things to see. But I wouldn't advise another lone female to do this during the low season, when there are fewer tourists, and you also get really tired!I got a car ride part of the way with a lady who sells soap there! If you walk, it's important to start early in the morning and start early going back. Probably the best idea would be to stay at one of the guesthouses on the route to the caves, since it's an easy walk or bicycle ride from most of the guesthouses to the caves. Get a songtaew or moto taxi to take you to drop you at the guesthouse with your luggage, and then when you go from there to the caves, you can bicycle or walk. If you're not on a budget, and you really don't want to stay overnight in Chiang Dao, then hiring a car and driver or other vehicle from Chiang Mai directly to the caves would be the best idea.

If you stay at or just go to any of the guesthouses in Chiang Dao near the caves or in the town, they can easily arrange a guide for you to the Chiang Dao Caves or other local attractions. Otherwise, when you get to the Chiang Dao Caves, there are plenty of local guides onsite right there that you can hire (ladies with lanterns). It's not something normally arranged from Chiang Mai, as it's the local people in Chiang Dao who know the area and have the expertise.